Monday

Indigenous Peoples Weekend at Museum of the American Revolution

October 9-11

101 S. Third St.

Visit the museum or explore stories online to learn more about Native Americans and the American Revolution. At the Museum, join educators for demonstrations and talks.

Kids’ Fall Baking Class

October 11, 10 am–noon (ages 4-7) and 1–3 pm (ages 8-14)

Hudson Table, 1001 N. Second Street

Kids will bake with all the essential fall ingredients! Apples, pumpkin, cinnamon, and maple syrup. They’ll make some delicious baked goods (all nut-free) to eat, and they’ll get some treats to take home. This class is drop off. Pre-register online.

Baby Wordplay in the Park

October 11, 10 am

Cliveden of the National Trust, 6401 Germantown Ave.

Story Play in the park will have you and your little one playing with sounds, catching and tossing words, reading, rhyming, and singing! Pre-register online.

Creative Babies in the Park

October 11, 10 am

Meet at Springfield Township Library (70 Powell Rd., Springfield)

Share bouncing and tickling rhymes, peek-a-boo games, short books, nursery rhymes, and music. Meet at the Youth Services entrance and walk to the park together. Bring your own blanket. Free; pre-register online.

Gladwyne Toddler Storytime

October 11, 10:30 am

Gladwyne Park

Bring a blanket and meet at Gladwyne Park for storytime for ages 0-4. Pre-register online.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2021 at Shackamaxon

October 11, 11 am–5 pm

Penn Treaty Park, 1301 N. Beach St.

Indigenous dignitaries, artists, sponsors, vendors, and Lenape guests will be at Penn Treaty Park to celebrate the first official Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the city.

South Philly Book Fair

October 11, noon–4 pm

Marconi Park Plaza, 2800 S. Broad St.

Part of Reading Promise Week, this community book fair will have loads of literacy activities, music, snacks, and fun for all in the park. Plus, they will be giving out 500 free children’s books and literacy kits!

Tuesday

Schuylkill Center Sprouts

October 12, 9:30 am

8480 Hagy’s Mill Road

Together with a favorite grown-up, Sprouts will discover and explore the wonders of nature through sensory-focused classes. This six-week series for little ones ages 2-3 years features walks, songs, and stories. Pre-register for the full series, or drop in for $30 (if space allows).

Mister John’s Music at Kith + Kin

October 12, 10 am

3060 W. Jefferson St.

Through music, rhythm and movement, infants and toddlers learn about self-expression, teamwork, sharing, and empathy. all full of surprises and set to your favorite tunes from your favorite artists! This is an all-ages, BYO instruments class. Pre-register online ($25 for drop-in).

Toddler Time in the Park

October 12, 10 am

Outside of Springfield Township Library (70 Powell Rd., Springfield)

Stories, finger plays, puppets, rhymes, dancing, and music liven the atmosphere as concepts such as colors, numbers, and letters are introduced. The program is about 20 minutes long. Free; pre-register online.

Outdoor Yoga Storytime

October 12, 10:30 am

Shakespeare Park, located on the Parkway, across the street from Parkway Central Library at 1901 Vine St.

At Yoga Storytime with Ms. Becky, children will learn how yoga, meditation, mindfulness, and breathing can help them manage their emotions, self-soothe, and experience a more meaningful life. Incorporating yoga poses into read-alouds of picture books, move along with children’s yoga music and guided meditations by Bari Koral to help build strength, flexibility, and literacy. Wear something comfy and be ready to move, play, and have fun! Mats are available to borrow, or you can bring your own. Best for ages 2-5.

Storytime in Lovett Park

October 12, 10:30 am

6945 Germantown Ave.

Join Ms. Dana for stories, songs, and silliness. Recommended for ages 2 and up, and their parents and caregivers. This storytime will take place outside, weather permitting.

Imagine More: Story Adventures with Thembi Palmer

October 12, 10:30 am

Gladwyne Park, 921 Youngs Ford Rd., Gladwyne

Children ages 3-5 will be immersed in “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” through expressive movements with instruments, actions, and songs. Space is limited to 15 children. Only one caregiver per child. Registration required.

Garden Storytime at Donatucci Library

October 12, 11 am

1935 Shunk St.

Join Miss Sunita for Storytime in the Donatucci Garden every Tuesday. Masks (for kids over 2) and social distancing required. Ages 0-5. Bring Your Own Blanket. Weather permitting.

Fun Ballers: Outdoor Preschool Sports

October 12, 11:30 am

Rittenhouse Square

Sandcastle Fun Co.’s “Fun-Structors” will guide kids ages 3-5 through all kinds of age-appropriate sports games. Drop-in passes available online.

Discover what life was like in ancient Mesopotamia through the study of cylinder seals. These tiny stone artifacts are the earliest known signatures, with names and images that tell us about the identities of ancient people. Students will create their own cylinder seal registers using pictures to represent what makes them unique. This 45-minute session with the Penn Museum is free, and perfect for elementary and middle school kids. Pre-register online.

Wednesday

Baby Wordplay in the Park

October 13, 9:30 am

811 Bowman Avenue, Wynnewood

Story Play in the park will have you and your little one playing with sounds, catching and tossing words, reading, rhyming, and singing! Pre-register online.

Stories and Songs for Pre-Walkers  in the Park

October 13, 10 am

Outside of Springfield Township Library (70 Powell Rd., Springfield)

This gentle yet lively storytime features bouncing and tickling rhymes, peek-a-boo games, short books, nursery rhymes, and music while young babies sit comfortably close to their caregivers. This is exclusively for pre-walkers. Free; pre-register online.

Paleo Playdate at Academy of Natural Sciences

October 13, 10:15 am

1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway

Have some fun with Academy experts and other young natural history fans for a very special science story time. Each week will feature new stories, new hands-on activities, take-home crafts, and room to move and explore. For ages 3-5. Pre-register online.

Outdoor Preschool Storytime at Richmond Library

October 13, 10:30 am

2987 Almond St.

Join Ms. Meghan in front of the library for stories, songs, and fun. Recommended for ages 4 and under with caregivers.

Bilingual Storytime at Lulu’s Casita

October 13, 10:30 am

6 Cricket Ave., Ardmore

Join Señora Maureene for a mini fiesta and storytime at Lulu’s!

Joy and Justice: Reading Promise Festival

October 13, 3–5 pm

Jenks Academy for the Arts & Sciences, 8301 Germantown Ave.

Joy and Justice is an afternoon of literacy fun for families and children of all ages, celebrating books with read alouds, music, snacks, giveaways, and more.

Sesame Place’s Not-Too-Spooky Halloween Drive-Thru

Wednesdays in October, 5:30-7:30 pm

Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne

Coming back from last year’s pivot, the Not-Too Spooky Halloween Drive-Thru is another way to experience Halloween at Sesame Place: from the comfort of your vehicle! Wind your way through ten not-too-spooky zones of Halloween fun, including Abby’s Magical Pumpkin Patch, Bert & Ernie’s Halloween Hoedown, and Cookie Monster’s Treat Fleet. The whole event culminates in a Monster Mash Bash down the iconic Sesame Street Neighborhood, where Sesame friends will be out in their costumes for a Halloween celebration. Guests will also be able to trick-or-treat their way through the experience and take advantage of special photo opportunities from inside their cars. Plus, before entering the Drive-Thru zones, guests will pass through an exclusive Halloween market where yummy treats and flashing glow products will be available for purchase. Pre-registration required online.

Princess Party with Mal

October 13, 6 pm

Ridley Township Public Library, 100 E. Macdade Blvd., Folsom

Join Mal from Disney’s Descendants for stories, songs, dancing, games, questions, and more! Children may dress up in costumes; masks are required for ages 2 and up. Free; pre-register online.

Thursday

Rollin’ Rockers: Music and Movement

October 14, 9:30 am

Rittenhouse Square

From shakers to tambourines and drums, choose your favorite musical instrument to join the band and rock out with Sandcastle Fun Co. as they take kids ages 1-5 on a rock and roll journey. Drop-in passes available online.

Preschool Yoga at Kith + Kin

October 14, 10 am

3060 W. Jefferson Street

Best for ages 2-4, kids’ yoga combines traditional yoga poses with reading, singing, mindfulness, and breathing techniques. Props and music are used with movement to help build strength, flexibility, and coordination as well as providing children with strategies to manage emotions and “big feelings.” Pre-register online for the four-week series, or drop in for $15. Bring your own yoga mat.

Mandie’s Nature Nook

October 14, 10 am

Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore

Join Youth, Family, and Diversity Programs Coordinator Mandie Curtis Banks and Mari, her special caterpillar friend, for mornings full of stories, singing, dancing, and playing as they dig into nature. This in-person series is a free program for babies through PreK aged children and their caregivers. All classes will be held outdoors if weather permits. In case of severe weather, a virtual option will be offered through Zoom. The class is free, but registration is required and limited.

Preschool Stories in the Park

October 14, 10 am

Meet at Springfield Township Library (70 Powell Rd., Springfield)

Sing, dance, imagine, learn, and, of course, read stories. A different letter of the alphabet will be featured each week. The program is about 30 minutes long. Free; pre-register online.

Outdoor Storytime at Franklin Square

October 14, 10:30 am

Franklin Square, 200 N. Sixth St.

Children under 5 and their caregivers are invited to join Independence Library’s Ms. Betsy at the Franklin Square Park in the pavilion (west of the mini golf course) for storytime.

Outdoor Read, Baby, Read Storytime

October 14, 10:30 am

Richmond Library, 2987 Almond St.

Join Ms. Meghan in front of the library for lap time with stories, songs, rhymes, and bounces. For babies with caregivers; siblings welcome.

Fall Storytime in Chestnut Hill

October 14, 10:30 am

Chestnut Hill Library, 8711 Germantown Ave.

Join Ms. Prather for stories, songs, and rhymes outside on the grassy area next to the library.

Virtual Brandywine River Museum Virtual Read Aloud: ‘This is Not My Hat’

October 14, 10:30 am

Families with young children are invited to join museum staff on Zoom for a morning of fun interactive storytelling and artwork engagement. Each family will receive suggestions for connecting to the book at home with craft and sensory exploration ideas. Pre-register online.

Outdoor Preschool Storytime in West Philly

October 14, 11 am

Malcolm X Park, 5100 Pine Street

Stories, songs, and fun for ages 2 to 5 and their caregivers.

Fun Ballers: Outdoor Preschool Sports

October 14, 11:30 am

Rittenhouse Square

Sandcastle Fun Co.’s “Fun-Structors” will guide kids ages 3-5 through all kinds of age-appropriate sports games. Drop-in passes available online.

Self Care Thursday: Lavender Sachets

October 14, 3 pm

Logan Library, 1333 Wagner Ave.

Drop in between 3–5 pm and learn how to make a calming lavender sachet. All materials will be provided. Space will be limited but no sign ups are required. This program is designed for ages 12 and up.

The Great Pumpkin Carve

October 14, 4—9 pm

1736 Creek Road, Chadds Ford

An annual Chadds Ford tradition, the three-day event highlights over 70 giant pumpkins carved into spooktacular creations. Carvers work through the early evening on Thursday and then illuminate their masterpieces by candlelight. Guests can view the carvers at work Thursday and the finished products Friday and Saturday. In addition to the pumpkin patch, there is a giant kid-friendly Haunted Trail, food for sale, and live music. Admission is available at the gate on each day of the event. Free for kids under 6.

Escape Room at West Oak Lane Library

October 14, 4 pm

2000 E. Washington Lane

Solve clues to try and escape the meeting room. This program will take place inside the library and space is very limited.

Luxury Literacy Picnic in Clark Park

October 14, 5:30 pm

4300-4398 Baltimore Ave.

Families are invited for a storytime picnic featuring a young reader photoshoot and free children’s books.

Friday

Homeschool Workshop: Surviving the Wild: Adaptations

October 15, 9:30 am

Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Blvd.

EPZ’s HomeSchool Workshops take children on a deep dive into a variety of STEM-based learning and discovery topics. Students will learn about the environment and the animals that live there all while having a safe and engaging experience. Each class is a 90-minute program and includes an up-close animal greet, a lesson, and a hands-on activity. Participants do not have to be homeschool students to participate in this program; all learners ages 9-12 are welcome. Pre-register online.

Sand Jam Music and Movement

October 15, 9:30 am

Rittenhouse Square

In this Jamboree style class, kids ages 1-4 will explore engaging movement activities through a dynamic musical lens with Sandcastle Fun Co. Drop-in passes available online.

In the Park with Baby Wordplay

October 15, 10 am

Lemon Hill Park

Join Baby Wordplay for their SPark (Storyplays in the Park) series! Baby Wordplay storyplays are literacy-rich, fun opportunities to engage your little one with reading, songs, fingerplays, and puppets. Best for ages 6 weeks to 5 years but all ages are welcome. Bring your own blanket and water, and wear a mask. $20 drop-in (if space allows).

Books and Blankets

October 15, 10:30 am

Penn Wynne Park, 1214 E. Manoa Road, Wynnewood

Join Ms. Danielle for outdoor storytime. Bring a blanket and be ready for stories, songs, and silliness.

Read, Baby, Read Outdoor Storytime at Malcolm X Park

October 15, 11 am

Malcolm X Park, 5100 Pine St.

Babies and their caregivers are invited to enjoy lap time with stories, songs, rhymes, and bounces.

Teen Cooking and Crafts: Make & Take

October 15, 3:30 pm

Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.

Join the Field Teen Center’s SAGA group and Nourishing Literacy for seasonal-themed creative art and cooking projects for this most eerie season! Teens will be meeting outdoors in the courtyard directly off the Field Teen Center for fun– and treats!

The Great Pumpkin Carve

October 15, 4—9 pm

1736 Creek Road, Chadds Ford

An annual Chadds Ford tradition, the three-day event highlights over 70 giant pumpkins carved into spooktacular creations. Carvers work through the early evening on Thursday and then illuminate their masterpieces by candlelight. Guests can view the carvers at work Thursday and the finished products Friday and Saturday. In addition to the pumpkin patch, there is a giant kid-friendly Haunted Trail, food for sale, and live music. Admission is available at the gate on each day of the event. Free for kids under 6.

‘Hocus Pocus’ Friday Movie Night at The Bourse

October 15, 6:30 pm

The Bourse, 111 South Independence Mall East

The Bourse invites witches, ghouls, and spooky season lovers alike to the patio on three Fridays in October to watch Hocus Pocus on a 16-foot projector while enjoying themed treats from select The Bourse Food Hall vendors. Tickets are available for $20 per table (tables seat up to four guests). Seating is limited, so pre-register online. The movie will start promptly at 7 pm, but ticketholders are invited to arrive as early as 6 pm to enjoy a themed snack and beverage prior to the showing.

‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’

October 15, 7 pm

The Players Club of Swarthmore, 614 Fairview Rd., Swarthmore

Charlie Brown and the entire Peanuts gang explore life’s great questions as they play baseball, struggle with homework, sing songs, swoon over their crushes, and celebrate the joy of friendship. Tickets available online.

‘Singin’ In The Rain’ Opening Night

 October 15, 7 pm

Salt Performing Arts, The Theatre at Yellow Springs, 1645 Art School Road, Chester Springs

Tap your toes and sing along in this splashy adaptation of the celebrated and beloved film. The “Greatest Movie Musical of All Time” is faithfully and lovingly adapted for the stage in Singin’ in the Rain. This is a family-friendly performance, but opening night is black tie!

Nickelodeon’s The Spongebob Musical

October 15, 7:30 pm

Footlighters Theatre, 58 Main Avenue, Berwyn

SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical is a stage musical, co-conceived and directed by Tina Landau with songs by various artists and a book by Kyle Jarrow. It is based on the Nickelodeon animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants. Tickets available online.

Weekend Events

Boo at the Zoo

Weekends from October 16—31

Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Ave.

Put on your favorite costume and set out on a trick-or-treat safari around the zoo. There are also festive displays throughout the zoo that make for great photo ops. To minimize touchpoints, candy will be available at stations around the Zoo. Tickets available online. While you’re there, make a reservation to catch Big Time one last time before it goes extinct!

Franklin Fright

Weekends from October 1–31

Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St.

Spooky science, scary live shows, and other frightfully fun, family-friendly festivities take over the museum this October. Come dressed in your best costume and trick-or-treat indoors, through iconic exhibits with surprises behind each of the festive doors! Meet monsters, mummies, and magicians while collecting tasty treats! Included with admission; bring your own bag for trick-or-treating. Masks are required for all guests age 3 and up, regardless of vaccination status.

The Pop-Up Marketplace in LOVE Park

October 16-17

1500 JFK Blvd.

LOVE Park’s Pop-Up Marketplace will feature diverse local businesses and entrepreneurs on weekends throughout October. The pop-up experience will also feature free programming, including free community yoga and meditation classes on Sundays, live entertainment, family-friendly activities, and more.

Spooky Mini Golf at Franklin Square

October 1—31, 6—10 pm

Franklin Square, 200 N. Sixth St.

Franklin Square’s Philly-themed mini golf is transformed into spooky fun for the Halloween season with fog, lights, music, and surprises! While you’re there, the Franklin Square Fountain runs shows every 30 minutes with synchronized lights and music. Advanced timed tickets are required available online at historicphiladelphia.org.    

Boo at the Elmwood Park Zoo

Weekends, October 9 through 31, noon — 3 pm
Elmwood Park Zoo, 1661 Harding Blvd., Norristown

Bring the little ones for a fun-filled afternoon for princesses, ghosts, and superheroes of all ages. Don’t forget your trick-or-treat bag, as treat stations will be located throughout the zoo! Come dressed in your creative costume and participate in the costume parade (2:30 pm at the bison stage).

Nickelodeon’s The Spongebob Musical

October 15 and 16, 7:30 pm; October 17, 2 pm

Footlighters Theatre, 58 Main Avenue, Berwyn

SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical is a stage musical, co-conceived and directed by Tina Landau with songs by various artists and a book by Kyle Jarrow. It is based on the Nickelodeon animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants. Tickets available online.

Frozen, Jr.

October 16, 11:30 am; and October 17, noon

The Media Theatre, 104 East State Street, Media

Frozen Jr. is based on the 2018 Broadway musical, and brings Elsa, Anna, and the magical land of Arendelle to life, onstage. Tickets available online.

‘Singin’ In The Rain’

 October 15–17

Salt Performing Arts, The Theatre at Yellow Springs, 1645 Art School Road, Chester Springs

Tap your toes and sing along in this splashy adaptation of the celebrated and beloved film. The “Greatest Movie Musical of All Time” is faithfully and lovingly adapted for the stage in Singin’ in the Rain. This is a family-friendly performance.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Brick or Treat

October 2 through November 14

500 W. Germantown Pike, Plymouth Meeting

Celebrate the spookiest time of the year at LEGOLAND Discovery Center. Create your own LEGO pumpkin, pose with Bonesy, find all the scary scenes in a Miniland scavenger hunt, and much more!

Morris Arboretum Scarecrow Walk and Design Contest

October 2-31

Morris Arboretum, 100 E. Northwestern Ave.

Morris Arboretum’s Scarecrow Design Contest is back for the 14th year with the 2021 theme, Heroes! The creative scarecrows will be on display throughout the Arboretum, and visitors will vote for their favorite scarecrow online to determine the winners.

The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular

Weekends through November 7

Sesame Place, 100 Sesame Road, Langhorne

Come in costume and celebrate silly, not-too-spooky fun! The park will be transformed into a family-friendly Halloween haven and guests will enjoy trick-or-treating around the park, Halloween-themed shows, participating in an interactive Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt, and unique photo opportunities with everyone’s favorite furry friends dressed up in costume on their Halloween-themed floats!

‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown’

October 15–17

The Players Club of Swarthmore, 614 Fairview Rd., Swarthmore

Charlie Brown and the entire Peanuts gang explore life’s great questions as they play baseball, struggle with homework, sing songs, swoon over their crushes, and celebrate the joy of friendship. Tickets available online.

Robin Hood

October 16, 10 am; and October 17, 1 pm

Hedgerow Farmhouse, 146 W. Rose Valley Road, Rose Valley

Robin Hood along with his friends Little John, Friar Tuck, and Maid Marian swashbuckle their way into our hearts as they do all the wrong things for the right reasons. Make sure to bring your favorite beach chair and blanket for this outdoor performance. Advance tickets required; no tickets will be sold at the door.

Morgan’s Pier Fall Fest

September 24–October 30

Morgan’s Pier, 221 N. Christopher Columbus Blvd.

Fall Fest at Morgan’s Pier always brings a full month of special events, fall food and drinks, and family fun to the waterfront. Events include weekend pumpkin carving (pick a pumpkin for $5 to $10 and carve it!), fall decor, seasonal treats, and local brews. Reservations are recommended for table service; walk-ins are welcome for all bar areas.

Pumpkinland at Linvilla Orchards

September 11—November 7

137 W. Knowlton Rd., Media

Now it’s really fall, because Linvilla has brought out the piles and piles of pumpkins! Plus, enjoy entertainment, hayrides, train rides, pony rides, and more. Tickets are required for ages 1 and older. Find a huge selection of straw bales, corn shocks, toys and fall decorations of all kinds. Linvilla does not do Pick Your Own pumpkins; their pumpkins are pre-harvested.

Photograph by Kristen Micucci.